Eleven University of Oregon students will receive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to fund their summer 2015 study abroad programs.

The UO now ranks 12th nationally out of 332 colleges and universities across the U.S. in the highly competitive scholarship that helps students cover the costs of a study abroad program, research or internship. The UO tied with Arizona State University, Spelman College, the University of Georgia and the University of South Florida.  

The rankings do not factor in the total student population of each campus. Because most universities ranked higher than the UO are much larger — some twice as large — if the awards were ranked per capita, UO would shoot up to the top five in the U.S.

“Gilman Scholarships are all about access — bringing the numerous career and personal benefits to students who are first generation in college, students from families of modest means, and students of color,” said Dennis Galvan, vice provost for international affairs. “The UO is not only a leader in global education, but a leader in making sure that every student has access to deeply enriching international experiences.”  

The UO recipients are part of a total of 1,100 American undergraduates from 358 colleges and universities across the country selected to receive Gilman scholarships.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards study abroad costs. The program aims to diversify the students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Students receiving a federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions are eligible to apply.

2015 UO Gilman Scholars, their destinations and majors:

Hailey Anderson — Japan, architecture
Shirley Chan — Ghana, journalism
Josie Christensen — Palau, art and anthropology
Benjamin Gilberts — Austria, business administration
Alfredo Gonzalez-Cruz — Italy, architecture
Zak Johnson — Japan, landscape architecture
Kevin Loder — Brazil, journalism/public relations
Amanda Oliver — Palau, digital arts
Priscilla Olson — Morocco, pre-international studies  
Tarik Richardson — Tanzania, history  
Karina Shea — Nepal, family and human services

Top 12 U.S. universities for Gilman recipients:

1. University of California, Berkeley, 49
2. University of Arizona, 29
3. University of Texas at Austin, 26
4. University of California, Los Angeles, 23
5. Texas A&M University, College Station, 20
6. University of California, San Diego, 19
   University of Florida, 19
7. Michigan State University, 18
8. Northwestern University, 16
9. Albany State University, 15
   University of California, Davis, 15
10. Temple University, 13
    University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 13
    University of Washington, 13
11. University of Maryland, College Park, 12
12. University of Oregon, 11
    Arizona State University, 11
    Spelman College, 11
    University of Georgia, 11
    University of South Florida, 11